Achi news desk-
GUWAHATI: A new strain of COVID-19, known as the FLiRT variant, is spreading rapidly across the United States, according to reports on May 7.
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This new lineage, part of the Omicron JN.1 family, reportedly includes KP.2 and KP 1.1 mutations, which are believed to be more infectious than previous Omicron strains. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) reports a marked increase in diseases caused by KP.2. Additionally, KP 1.1, another version of FLiRT, is also circulating in the US.
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The term FLiRT is derived from the technical designations of the mutations found in these variants.
Currently, two FLiRT strains, KP.2 and KP 1.1, have been identified in Israel, according to reports.
The symptoms associated with the FLiRT variant remain largely consistent with those of previous strains.
These include sore throat, cough, congestion, fatigue, headache, body aches, fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, and possibly loss of taste and smell.
"The KP.2 and KP 1.1 variants have new mutations that make them more contagious than previous Omicron variants. Their symptoms, similar to previous versions, include fever, cough and fatigue. However, their increased transmission rate requires strict precautions," Says Sushila Kataria, Senior Manager, Internal Medicine at Medanta, Gurugram while talking to the media.
The severity of these symptoms usually depends on underlying health conditions and the current state of immunity.
The current outbreak in the US raises concerns about a new wave of infection this summer. Unvaccinated people and those with compromised immunity are more vulnerable to these mutations."The variant spreads easily through respiratory droplets, and poses risks to everyone, especially the unvaccinated and those with compromised immunity. With subtle genetic differences, FLiRT deviates from previous versions, requiring adapted management techniques," Katria adds.
FLiRT variants are yet to be spotted in India. Moreover, in the US no significant increase in hospitalizations was reported.
